Every Saturday, I think to myself that Purdue has a chance to win. I look at match ups and find things that, if Purdue does well, they have a shot in the 4th quarter to win.
Today, I thought these things:
1. Don't turn the ball over and get a TO that translates to points
2. Establish a respectable run game that allows Purdue to play action pass over the top at key points.
3. Make a good special teams plays with a good return or pin MSU deep.
4. Defensive ends and linebackers play solid to keep MSU from running for more than 150 yards.
Had Purdue done those things, they had a chance to be there in the 4th quarter. Those are all things that are attainable by this football team...yet Purdue continues to struggle to find an identity on offense, struggles on special teams (outside of Schopper), and can't get off the field on defense.
Until Purdue has better coaching to maximize their skills and effort, this is what will become the norm at Purdue.